While everyone is susceptible to eye diseases, women are at a higher risk than men, especially during pregnancy and after menopause. This means they need to be extra cautious about eye care.
All women should wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection whenever they’re in the sun. This is essential to protect the eyes from the sun’s UV radiation, which can damage eye tissues. Some medications, such as birth control pills, tranquilizers and certain sulpha-based medications, put eyes at extra risk from sun exposure. If you take these, always be very cautious about exposing your eyes to sunlight.
If you’re expecting, protect your eye health by eating a well-balanced diet during pregnancy and if you have any vision problems, consult a doctor right away. If you are of childbearing age, choose fortified foods that contain vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) to prevent night blindness.
Women, especially if they’re pregnant or postmenopausal, are more susceptible to dry-eye syndrome. Researchers are not sure what causes it. The eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears are poor quality and evaporate quickly. When this happens, the eyes sting or burn, feel scratchy, become irritated or tear excessively. An eye doctor can prescribe eye drops to alleviate the symptoms.
Women are at greater risk than men for developing macular degeneration, so make sure you consult an eye care professional if you have difficulty reading or need more light to see. Other symptoms of macular degeneration are reduced peripheral vision or problems with colors. Some studies show that Vitamin E, Vitamin C and beta-carotene supplements reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in women.
Cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye, may dull and blur vision. Vitamin E, Vitamin C and beta-carotene supplements also help reduce the risk of cataracts. After menopause, estrogen supplements can also reduce cataract risk. This condition is so damaging to vision, and so common in older people, that about 1.35 million surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year to remove cataracts.
Women who take birth control pills and experience blurred vision may also be at risk for migraine headaches. An eye care professional will be able to tell you if these headaches can be alleviated with proper vision care.
The Vision Council of America recommends regular comprehensive eye exams.
